AN Ilkley cyclist said he has been “overwhelmed with kindness” after completing a 4,000-mile ride across the US, raising more than £25,000 for charity.
Antony Butcher, who is chair of the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, completed his three-month-long challenge on Wednesday to raise money for people living with multiple sclerosis.
The 32-year-old, who works in student support at the University of Leeds, decided to take on the challenge in honour of his mother Teresa, who was diagnosed with MS when he was a teenager.
Antony said: "After five years of planning and three months of cycling, crossing the finish line felt unreal. This was a moment I've dreamt of for years, and it was so emotional to share this moment with friends on Facebook, with the people who met me at the finish line, and with my wife, who has supported me every step of the way.
"I've been overwhelmed with kindness and am so grateful for all the support I've had, both from Americans I've met through the journey and those back home who have been cheering me on. This journey isn't just about me - it's only been possible thanks to the amazing supporters of my journey who have been willing me on every step of the way."
Antony started his journey in Times Square, New York, on April 23 and climbed around 120,000 feet (36,600m) during the ride – which is four times the height of Mount Everest.
He was met at the finish line on July 13 by his wife Lizzie and representatives of the California Chapter of the National MS Society.
He said: “When I first flew out I remember saying goodbye to my wife and thinking ‘what have I let myself in for’.
“To say I have cycled across America, it just feels incredible.
“I faced some of my toughest climbs whilst cycling at altitude through the desert, with nothing between the towns where I set off and arrived each day.
“The toughest bit was the hills of Nevada – the most mountainous state in America.”
Although this has been Antony’s biggest challenge yet, he has been raising money for charity for almost 20 years.
He took on his first challenge when he was just 17, cycling the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats and raising £3,000 for the MS Society.
He said: “MS is a horrible condition, it is horrible to watch someone you love fight a battle that is unwinnable and know there is nothing you can do to help them.
“There is nothing I can do to help my mum, but maybe the money raised to help people living with MS and the research into the disease, can help other people out there avoid this terrible condition.”
Antony said his mother, who lives in a care home in Burley-in-Wharfedale, has been following his journey over the past three months and said her support has been “incredible”.
“I’ve been speaking to my mum along the way and it’s been incredible to have such love and support from her,” he said.
“She’s had a little map up on the wall tracking where my progress is and I’m looking forward to seeing her now I’ve crossed the finish line.”
However, he admitted he will need to do one more thing before they can be reunited.
“I’ve gone for the Forrest Gump look… my wife has already got me booked in for a hair cut,” he added.
Antony has now raised over £25,000 for the MS Society and is well on his way of achieving his new target of £30,000
If you’d like to see how Antony’s journey went visit www.facebook.com/antonyacrossamerica and www.instagram.com/antonyacrossamerica.
If you’d like to sponsor Antony, you can do this at www.justgiving.com/antonyjcbutcher.
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